An alarming incident has surfaced in Sarasota County, where a firefighter stands accused of committing theft at the scene of an emergency. According to legal documents, Ryan J. Hagenbuch was apprehended and charged with grand theft. Reports indicate that Hagenbuch responded to a call involving an unresponsive individual at a location on Hummingbird Avenue. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that the person, identified as John Sranko, had passed away in his hotel room.

Concerns were raised when a colleague reported witnessing Hagenbuch remove cash from the deceased's wallet. Following an inquiry into the missing funds, Hagenbuch reportedly confessed to taking the money. During the investigation, his partner recounted that Hagenbuch suggested sharing some of the money, referring to it as "lunch money." This revelation sparked outrage and led to further scrutiny of the firefighter’s actions.

Though Hagenbuch expressed remorse for his behavior, claiming it was a momentary lapse in judgment, he has formally pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Such incidents underscore the importance of integrity and ethical conduct, particularly within professions tasked with safeguarding communities. The case serves as a reminder of the high standards expected of public servants and the accountability mechanisms necessary to uphold trust between them and the citizens they serve.